“I want to dedicate this victory to my family” - Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa makes honest admission after heroics in Euro 2024 win over Slovenia
Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa made an honest admission after his side's Round of 16 win over Slovenia in Euro 2024 on Monday, July 1. The match resulted in a 3-0 victory on penalties for the Selecao at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, Germany.
After a goalless 90 minutes, the match went into extra time where Cristiano Ronaldo missed a penalty in the 105th minute. Portugal were awarded the spot-kick after Slovenian defender Vanja Drkusic committed a foul on Diogo Jota inside the penalty area.
Following a goalless extra-time, Slovenia's Josip Ilicic took the first penalty kick and missed it before Ronaldo successfully netted his attempt. Jure Balkovec failed to score Slovenia's second penalty as Diogo Costa made another stunning save. Bruno Fernandes then doubled Portugal's advantage with a well-taken penalty.
The Portuguese shot-stopper made another stellar save for Benjamin Verbic's penalty. Bernardo Silva then successfully converted his penalty, ensuring Portugal's qualification to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.
Following the victory over Slovenia, Costa dedicated the win to his family and said (via O Jogo):
"From my part are more difficult games, we are always a long time without touching the ball and I would just focus on getting myself there to be opportunity, to know how to take advantage. I am very happy to have helped the entire team and I want to dedicate this victory to my family.”
"It's an extra motivation, work on my part will never be missing. I'm gonna work, I believe in myself and I thank my family. It was the game where I was able to help my team the most and that’s what I focus on," added the FC Porto shot-stopper.
With this outstanding performance, Diogo Costa became the first-ever goalkeeper to save three penalties in a single penalty shootout at the European Championship. He fittingly won the UEFA Player of the Match award against Slovenia.
Diogo Costa extends support to Cristiano Ronaldo after Portugal's Euro 2024 Round of 16 win
Cristiano Ronaldo teared up after Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak saved his penalty in the first half of the extra time. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner was seen to be consoled by his Selecao teammates before the start of the second half of extra time.
Speaking about the 39-year-old forward missing the penalty in the first half of the extra time, Diogo Costa said (via O Jogo):
"I realize Cristiano's frustration. For us, it’s an example, it’s an honor to play with him. We are here for the family, as Pepe says."
Portugal will face France in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 at Volksparkstadion in Hamburg on Friday, July 5.